Camilla causes a fur furore

The Duchess of Cornwall was today accused of "setting a terrible example" by animal rights campaigners after she wore a rabbit fur scarf during a visit to a leading boarding school.

Camilla, who was a keen huntswoman, wore the light brown, twisted-style neckwear as she toured Westonbirt School, near Tetbury, Gloucestershire, in the biting wind.

But the Duchess's choice of fashion wear was immediately condemned by protesters from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

The pressure group has been demonstrating - with the help of a man in a bear's costume - outside several of the Prince's engagements over the past few weeks to highlight the Ministry of Defence's use of bear skins in ceremonial hats.

"It's very surprising and shocking that she should chose to wear fur," Peta spokeswoman Anita Singh said.

"She should be setting a good example, particularly as Charles has strong views over the conservation of wildlife, and not be glorifying the slaughter of animals.

"She is flying in the face of public opinion, which is overwhelmingly opposed to the breeding of animals for the fur trade. It's a terrible example to set. I really can't believe she's done it."

PETA claim that rabbits are bred purely for the fur market and are not a by-product of the food industry.

The rabbits are often kept in cramped cages before being electrocuted or having their necks snapped in a painful death, Ms Singh said.

The trade is illegal in the UK but furs are imported from Scandinavia and China.

Clarence House confirmed the scarf was made of rabbit fur. The Duchess has worn the item on previous occasions.

Camilla's controversial scarf had attracted little attention as she visited the historic school's new £3.1 million Copland Sports Centre with Charles.

Aerobics demonstration

After watching staff and pupils take part in an energetic aerobics demonstration, she confided to a teacher that she fancied taking it up herself.

"She thought the class was really good and said that she might take it up again," said Susie Barr, head of biology.

"Apparently she's done it before but she hurt her back the first time she did it and she hasn't done it again."

Charles took a particular interest in a cross-training exercise machine as he toured the gym facilities and asked a teenager using it: "Do you actually do any running outside?"

Camilla, meanwhile, spoke to teenagers using the rowing machines.

The couple also watched an inter-house swimming race in the balmy heat of the impressive new centre's 25m swimming pool.

The visit came just days after Charles warned of a "supersizing epidemic" and urged people to take more exercise.

Charles later had an audience of around 300 pupils in stitches as he joked that his sons had taken a particular interest in the all-girls school.

After officially opening the centre in the sports hall, Charles praised the school's achievements before adding: "I've heard a few other aspects of the school from my sons."

Earlier this month, Guy Pelly, one of Prince Harry's friends, was spoken to by police after he was spotted climbing on the roof of the school. The youngsters - aged five to 18 - roared with laughter after Charles made the cheeky comment.

The couple then made the short trip over to the Westonbirt arboretum, where they marked the centenary of the Rotary Club by planting the 100th maple tree in the charity's Rotary Glade.

They were joined at the tourist attraction by two Peta protesters, one of whom was dressed in the bear costume.

The couple then attended a private reception for staff and supporters of the tourist attraction.